Victoria Legal Aid

Our Annual Report 2023–24, tabled in the Victorian Parliament on 31 October, highlights our collaboration as a sector in serving the Victorian community. In 2023–24, we grew and strengthened many of our programs, particularly our non-legal advocacy and support services that help provide a more holistic approach to addressing clients’ needs and put them at the centre of what we do. Read the report: https://lnkd.in/g_PvdWD6

We welcome the introduction of these reforms. In our work we see the impact of insecure and unstable housing and how that can lead to entrenched disadvantage. These changes will provide better outcomes for people who rent in Victoria.

There is a clear pathway to keeping children out of the youth justice system. In our submission to a Senate inquiry examining the overincarceration of First Nations children and youth justice systems across Australia, we continue back the recommendations of the Yoorrook Justice Commission. First Nations community-led solutions will work. They must be implemented. In Victoria, First Nations children, children of colour, children with disability and children living in state care are significantly overrepresented at all stages of the criminal legal system. Improving the system for the most marginalised in our community will benefit all. https://lnkd.in/gywmg5s8

I was privileged to attend this week's ceremonial sitting of the Supreme Court of Victoria in Naarm Melbourne honouring First Nations people. The ceremony of welcome, acknowledgment and honouring was a potent demonstration to the legal profession and the broader community of both the historical and enduring practice of law, lore and culture by First Peoples in this Country. Congratulations to the Dhumba Murmuk Djerring (Koori Unit) at Court Services Victoria for their critical work in supporting this important occasion, and their ongoing efforts in strengthening cultural programs at CSV. I urge you to watch the recording or access some of the speeches. https://lnkd.in/g7ADKqpd Victoria Legal Aid Ashley Morris Melissa Harrison Travis Lovett Sue-Anne Hunter Meena Singh Tim Goodwin Andrew Williams Bill Jaboor Louisa Gibbs Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service Djirra- Sharing stories, finding solutions Law Institute of Victoria Adam Awty Tarwirri-Indigenous Law Students and Lawyers Association of Victoria Magistrates’ Court of Victoria Federation of Community Legal Centres Victorian Bar Victorian Legal Services Board and Commissioner

We join with the Yoorrook Justice Commission and the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service in expressing our disappointment at the slow pace of government action since the landmark Yoorrook for Justice report was released over a year ago. The report and recommendations set out a blueprint for transformative change in the criminal legal and child protection systems which should be acted on. The government's commitment to truth-telling must be demonstrated through meaningful action, not more consideration. Read more from the Yoorrook Justice Commission https://lnkd.in/ebQzvAti Read more from the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service https://lnkd.in/g7TU_5VB

Please join us in congratulating our civil justice public defender, Olivia Ridley, who has been appointed as a member of the Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal! Olivia's contribution to VLA and the legal assistance sector has been insurmountable. Congratulations Olivia on this well-deserved appointment!

The recent High Court case of NZYQ determined that indefinite immigration detention is unlawful in Australia. In response, the changes to the Criminal Code were passed to create new community safety orders (CSOs) to apply to people who would have previously been subject to indefinite immigration detention.  It is our position that people facing CSO proceedings should be represented, and we are pleased that funding for grants of assistance has been made available by governments to enable this.  As such, we are expanding eligibility under Guideline 10 to include provisions for funding of legal representation for people affected by the new community safety orders (CSOs). Read more on our website https://lnkd.in/gMseZv4G

Congratulations to our former colleague, Federal Circuit Court judge, and folk singer, Judy Small who today has been inducted as a trailblazer in the 2024 Victorian Honour Roll of Women. Associate director Gayathri Paramasivam, who worked alongside Ms Small said "Judy achieved so much during her time at VLA, leading our Family Youth and Children's Law directorate through some challenging times." Judy has been recognised for her contribution to the arts as a feminist folk singer-songwriter. https://lnkd.in/gUkD9PZj

We’re looking for a Chief Executive Officer to lead our organisation in the delivery of our strategic advocacy and litigation to achieve systemic reform and improve access to justice for those who need it most. Victoria Legal Aid is a statutory authority that provides legal aid services to the Victorian community including through our in-house practice, our private practitioner partners as well as by administering funding to community legal centres. We serve the community by providing information, legal advice, and education with a focus on the prevention and early resolution of legal problems. Leading our Executive Management Group, the CEO has direct delegated responsibilities for the strategic and operational management of the organisation, in accordance with Strategy 26, annual corporate plans and the policies, priorities and directions determined by the Board. For more information about the role and our organisation visit https://lnkd.in/gieBKdGF

Our new Ovens-Murray service is taking shape with the appointment of Deputy Managing Lawyer Simon O'Halloran to lead our team in Wodonga. ‘I’m really looking forward to working with local services including the court staff, Hume Riverina Community Legal Service and our panel practitioners in region,’ says Simon. Read about Simon's connection to the region and our plans to collaborate with local services. https://lnkd.in/gtniy9b6